Business organisations increasingly depend on Information Technology (IT). However, many business managers regularly complain that their IT investments and solutions often fall short of expectations. They face problems in planning, evaluating, implementing and reviewing IT decisions. Processes and procedures for managing IT are at times absent and in other cases either inadequate or not working properly. There are also issues of misalignment between IT and business, articulating the right level of IT investment and measuring IT performance. Central to overcoming these problems is an appreciation IT strategy. This course will enhance your appreciation of IT strategy both in theory and in practice and equip you with the skill to investigate, formulate and implement an IT strategy in an organisational work context.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

-

On successful completion of this course you will be able to:

Demonstrate broad and critical understanding of IT strategy development, implementation and value issues (such as IT and business alignment, IT capability, strategic relevance of emerging IT, change management) and provide a conceptually and theoretically sound explanation about these issues.

Critically and systematically document, review and evaluate business objectives and the role of IT in achieving them.

Analyse and evaluate the IT capabilities and alignment of organisations as well as the strategic implications of emerging IT, market and institutional trends and synthesise those in terms of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for a business.

Develop IT strategic objectives and identify solutions based on industry and technology trends that improve IT capabilities, IT and business alignment, and business performance.

Apply industry relevant IT strategic planning frameworks, tools, methodologies and processes to evaluate IT management problems and create IT strategies.

Overview of Learning Activities

Lectures: lectures are used to communicate basic concepts, knowledge, ideas and analytical frameworks relevant to the course. Guest speakers: Guest speakers share their practical experiences on different topics of IT strategy. Case studies: Case studies develop your analytical skills to real world problems drawing on knowledge and frameworks offered in lectures and seminars.Simulated exercises: Simulated exercises are used to provide you with opportunities to apply and practice frameworks, tools and techniques relevant to IT strategy. Through these exercises you will build your skill to plan, analyse, implement and review IT strategies.

Overview of Learning Resources

Various learning resources are available online through myRMIT/Canvas. In addition to topic notes; assessment details and a study schedule you may also be provided with links to relevant online information; readings; audio and video clips and communication tools to facilitate collaboration with your peers and to share information.